On Sunday night, exit polls suggested a possible defeat for Nicolás Maduro. However, it was later confirmed that Maduro secured 51.2% of the votes, a result that was quickly dismissed by the majority opposition.
Since then, people around the world have expressed their dissatisfaction with the re-election, including famous businessman and investor Elon Musk. The entrepreneur shared several messages on his X account, criticizing the Venezuelan politician’s electoral win.
Elon Musk vs Nicolás Maduro
Major election fraud by Maduro https://t.co/fi4xcSVd2Y
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 29, 2024
From the beginning, Elon showed his support for the Venezuelan opposition Edmundo González and María Corina Machado.
Musk sent a message to the anti-Chavista leader: “It is time for the people of Venezuela to have the opportunity for a better future,” to which María Corina responded, “We are determined to live with dignity and prosperity and to bring our families back home. Tomorrow brings a new beginning; Venezuela will be free!”
Maduro in Venezuela: In The Eye Of A Hurricane
Musk isn’t the only one unhappy with the election results. Javier Milei, the prominent opponent, also wrote a strong message on his official X account, which Musk reposted.
“DICTATOR MADURO, OUT!!! The Venezuelans chose to end the communist dictatorship of Nicolás Maduro. Data shows a landslide victory for the opposition, and the world awaits his concession after years of socialism, misery, decay, and death. Argentina will not recognize another fraud and hopes the Armed Forces will defend democracy and the popular will this time. Freedom is advancing in Latin America.”
DICTADOR MADURO, AFUERA!!!
Los venezolanos eligieron terminar con la dictadura comunista de Nicolás Maduro. Los datos anuncian una victoria aplastante de la oposición y el mundo aguarda que reconozca la derrota luego de años de socialismo, miseria, decadencia y muerte.…
— Javier Milei (@JMilei) July 29, 2024
The opposition had flagged several irregularities. Additionally, supporters of Gonzáles reported ballot thefts at various polling stations. On social media, opponents shared numerous results showing a significant gap between Maduro and the opposition candidate.
🚨 🇻🇪 SELFIE BY CHAVISTA WORKER ALLEGEDLY REVEALS MADURO’S DEFEAT
A Chavista worker allegedly published a selfie from the Computing Center, inadvertently revealing on multiple screens the resounding defeat of Nicolás Maduro in various states.
Source: @UHN_Plus https://t.co/Y4LoM2FbdC pic.twitter.com/RsO75LvFIU
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 29, 2024
With these results, Maduro would secure his third presidential term. This was the first time in 25 years that the “Chavistas” had a real chance of losing power, making this Sunday’s election crucial for Venezuela, which is facing a political and social crisis.
Maduro’s new term is set to officially begin on January 10, 2025, when his inauguration is scheduled to take place.